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The life course and subjective well-being across generations – an analysis based on cross-national surveys (2002–2016)

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  • Hideko Matsuo
  • Koen Matthijs

Abstract

This paper identifies subjective well-being trajectories through happiness measures as influenced by time, socio-economic, demographic and behavioural determinants. Hierarchical age-period-cohort models are applied to European Social Survey (2002–2016) data on the population aged 30 and older in 10 countries. A U-shaped relationship between age and happiness is found for some countries, but a rather flat pattern and considerable diversity beyond age 80 are detected for other countries. Lower happiness levels are found for baby boomers (1945–1964) than for preboomers and post-boomers, and also for late boomers (1955–1964) than for early boomers (1945–1954). Women, highly educated and native people are shown to have higher happiness levels than men, less educated and non-native people, respectively. Moreover, a positive assessment of income, having a partner, and being a parent, in good health, employed and socially active are all found to have a positive impact on happiness levels. We find evidence of gaps in happiness levels due to differences in socio-economic characteristics over the life course in some, but not in all of the countries analysed.

Suggested Citation

  • Hideko Matsuo & Koen Matthijs, 2021. "The life course and subjective well-being across generations – an analysis based on cross-national surveys (2002–2016)," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 19(1), pages 417-466.
    • Handle: RePEc:vid:yearbk:v:19:y:2021:i:1:oid:0x003cab2e
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